PS 635 
.Z9 
B1742 
Copy 1 



: ^ :}: ;•; 5{c 5|c >f: jK H: 5i< Hi * * * H: * ^' * * >|J H< 5|: j}: >!: 5?J * * :H =K >K * iK H^ Hs HJ * sis sK * 



No. 20 



AMERICAN ACTING EDITION 



,UCKY GULCH 



A Comedy ©rama In 2^1fr^p Arts 



HY 



CHARLES S. BIRD 



Copyright, 1916, by SAMUEL FRENCH 



NOTICE.— The profosflioiial acting rights of this play are 
reserved by. the piiblislier, and permission for such per- 
formances must be obtained from »SAMUEL FRENCH be- 
fore performances are given. Tliis notice does not apply 
to amateurs, who may perform the play without paLy^ 
ing royalty. 

PRICE 25 CENTS 



NEW YORK 

SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

28.30 WEST 38TH STREET 



LONDON 

SAMUEL FRENCH. LTD. 



'26 



SOUTHAMPTON STREET 

STRAND 



;:)£:{;**Hf**Hs*** **********H?H:******H55{^***H: *>^**5******>f:***** 



4' ' 



'v4« 



LUCKY GULCH 



A Cnmeltij Brama in STlyr^^ Acts 



BY 



CHARLES S. BIRD 



Copyright, 1916. by SAMUEL FRENCH 



NOTICE. — Tlie professional acting rights of this play are 
reserved by tlie publisher, and permission for such per- 
formances must be obtained from SAMUEL FRENCH be- 
fore performances are given. This notice does not apply 
to amateurs, who may perform the play without pay- 
ing royalty. 

PRICE 25 CENTS 



NEW YORK 

SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

28-30 WEST 38TH STREET 



LONDON 

SAMUEL FRENCH. LTD. 

■26 SOUTHAMPTON STREET 

STRAND 






LUCKY GULCH. 



CAST. 



HoiL\CE Studleigh. . . .Merchant in an eastern city 
Dick Stilwell. .Civil Engineer at ''Lucky Gulch'' 
Frank Studleigh. .A collegian. Assistant to Dick 

Alfred Jarvis Secretary to Horace 

Jim Price A gambler 

Austin Craig A trustee 

Jake ^Ieek A stage driver 

Joe True Clerk at the store — ''Lucky Gulch'' 

AL\RY Stltdleigh Wife of Horace 

Mildred Stldleigh Their daughter 

Polly Vance A zcard of the Studleigh's 

Clara Norris A maid, also a jezvel 

The parts of Hor,\ce and Dick can be doubled, 
also those of Craig and ]\Ieek. 



/ 



JUN -6 1916 
©Jl,0 44089 






LUCKY GULCH. 



SYNOPSIS OF SCENES. 

Act L Home of the Studleighs' in an eastern 

city. 
Act H. The shack of the Engineers at the 

" Gulch." 
Act HL The same, with improvements. 



SYNOPSIS OF INCIDENTS. 

Act I. Home of the Studleighs' — Arrival of 
the tennis party — A home scene, and 
an old familiar song. Horace ap- 
pears — business cares — A hopeful love 
scene and another just the opposite — 
Jarvis betrays his real nature — A 
call to dinner and an interruption — 
Craig's accusation — Collapse of Hor- 
ace — Jarvis a traitor — Frank de- 
nounces him — " I will prove your 
words as false as I nozu know your 
heart to be." 

Act II. Three years later. At " Lucky Gulch " 
— The shack of the two Engineers — 
The fine art of cooking — A rare time- 
piece — Dick is just in time, for sup- 
per. Domestic supplies — Dick is 
some kidder — Company expected — 
3 



LUCKY GULCH. 

Dick's generosity — A friend indeed — 
Jake arrives with news — Clara Norrls 
and Joe True — Joe does a little 
housework, also a little courting — 
Dangerous animals — Jim Price, gam- 
bler — An encounter — Dick to the res- 
cue — More arrivals — Frank's surprise 
— Joe's news — Frank gets the gold 
fever — ** Polly, do you remember ? 
Who knows, who knows ? " - 

Act in. Same scene — No letter for Polly — Clara 
the Optimist — Jake pays a social call 
— His " idee of a gal " — Laying the 
dust — Irrigation needed — Jake and the 
fancy work — Roping a " Maverick " — 
The vernacular — More of Dick's kid- 
ding — Mildred and Dick — Her grat- 
itude and his avowal — The shadow — 
The confession and end of Jarvis alias 
Price — The shadow lifted — Return of 
the gold seekers — Some love knots un- 
tangled — Sunshine in *' Lucky Gulch." 



COSTUMES. 

Dick. Soft hat — western style — blue flannel shirt, 

open at throat — dark trousers with belt — high 
; laced boots, for Act I. Neat business suit for 

Act II. 
Frank. Tennis suit for Act I. Same as Dick 

for Act I. Western miner's for Act II. 
Jake. Soft or brown hat — western style — 

flannel shirt — loose red bow tie — trousers 

tucked into high boots. 
Joe. Straw hat — flannel shirt — rather gay tie — 

trousers hitched up a little — sack coat. A slight 



LUCKY GULCH. 5 

comedy touch, for Act I, same as Frank for 
Act II. 

Horace. Neat business suit. 

Austin. The same. 

Jarvis. Same as Frank for Act I. Soft hat — 
white shirt and collar, with soft black tie — 
frock coat — gray trousers — low shoes, as 
Price in Act I. 

Mrs. Studleigh. House dress for Act I. Travel- 
ling, for Act I. Change for Act II. 

Mildred. Tennis, for Act I. Travelling, for 
Act I. Change for Act II. 

Polly. The same. 

Clara. Maid's for Act I. Travelling for Act I. 
Change for Act II. 



PROPERTIES. 

Act I. Tennis racquets for young people — 
wool work for Mrs. Studleigh — sheet 
music — paper for Clara — dinner gong. 

Act II. Coffee-pot — skillet and food — clock — 
table ware — bread — pipe and book for 
Frank. Packages of coffee, sugar, 
eggs, tobbacco and pipe for Dick. 
Small trunk — basket of groceries — 
Broom for Joe. Caps — apron — for 
Clara, also groceries. 

Act III. Yarn work for Mrs. Studleigh — sewing 
work for Polly. Books for Mildred. 
Small canvas bags for Frank and Joe. 
Small rope for Jake. 



LUCKY GULCH 



ACT L 



Scene: — A handsome interior in the home of the 
Studleighs', in an eastern city — a piano back 
R. — couch back l. — a small table b. c. — rocker 
with arms beside table — a few other chairs as 
required — ornaments, etc. This room should be 
made as attractive as possible to contrast zvith 
the setting of Act L On rise of curtain Mrs. 
Studleigh is discovered seated in rocker oc- 
cupied with some kind of wool work. After a 
slight pause she rings bell on table. 

(Enter Clara Norris — maid — r. u. e.) 

Clara. Did you ring, Mrs. Studleigh? 

Mrs. Studleigh. Yes, Clara, has Mr. Studleigh 
come in yet? 

Clara. He will be here in a moment, I heard 
Oscar say he just saw him coming up the street. 

Mrs. Studleigh. Then please tell Oscar to have 
dinner ready to serve in half an hour. I think the 
young people will be in from their game by that 
time, and Clara 

Clara. Yes'm. 

Mrs. Studleigh. Mr. Craig called up a few 
moments ago and said he wished to see Mr. 
Studleigh a moment — he was too late to catch him 



8 LUCKY GULCH. 

at the store, so I think he is coming over to the 
house, if he does, bring him right in here please. 
(Clara hozvs — Exits r. u. e.) I hardly see what 
Mr. Craig should want to see father about after 
business hours, he knows how averse he is to discus- 
sing their affairs after he comes home, (Sighing) 
But all of Horace's habits seem to be broken into 
of late. And though he has never admitted as m\ich 
to me, I can tell there is something on his mind. 
What can it be? 

(Voices heard off stage b. c. Enter Frank Stud- 
LEiGH and Polly Vance. Alfred Jarvis 
and Mildred Studleigh. They carry tennis 
racquets and balls — enter laughing and giving 
evidence of having had a lively bout.) 

Frank. Six sets straight, mother, for Polly and 
I, what do you think of that ? 

Mrs. Studleigh. I should think it very good, 
although you know I know very little about the 
game. 

Mildred. (Throzvs arm around her mother's 
neck, and perches on arm of her chair l.) Well, 
mother, mine, (Kisses her) sitting alone again in 
solitary state ? This will not do, I notice that lately 
when you are alone you think, and when you think, 
you get — Oh, so sober, (Shakes her finger at her 
playfully) this won't do, don't you know you'll get 
wrinkles and — and all sorts of horrid things if you 
don't stop it. (Kisses her again) 

Frank. (Also kissing her) That's so, Mildred, 
mother needs us here all the time to keep her in 
spirits, don't you mummsy ? 

Mrs. Studleigh. (Smiling) You dear, dear 
children, how could anyone be anything but happy 
with you, and Polly, around? 

Frank. (Aside to Mrs. Studleigh) You see, 
I have brought Jarvis home to dinner, father 



LUCKY GULCH. 9 

wanted him this evening to assist him with some 
work, so I asked him to come early and play a few 
sets with us. 

Mrs. Studleigh. (Aside to Frank) That was 
quite right Frank, if it was your father's wish, but 



Frank. Sh-h-h, (Looking tozvard Jarvis, who, 
busy talking to Polly, does not notice) I know 
how you feel, and it seems strange that we should 
share this, this, what can I call it — suspicion ? or 

Polly. (Calling across from l.) There you 
three are, at it again. Of all the love-making peo- 
ple I ever saw you certainly are the 

Mildred. You are a nice one to talk in that way 
Polly Vance, why, you can give us all 

Polly. (Flying across stage and falling impul- 
sively at the feet of Mrs. Studleigh) I know, I 
know, and why should I not? Who has such cause 
to love her, yes, and to love you all, as the friendless 
orphan who was taken to your hearts and home in 
her dependent infancy, and who, since that time, 
has never known what it was to want the affection 
of father, mother, brother or sister? (Kisses her 
fondly) Oh, mother: (Tableau) 

Alfred. (Cynically — aside) Ah — what a 
charming little scene of affectionate domesticity, I 
wonder if all this gush will survive the approach- 
ing 

Mildred. (Jumping up) Come on, let's have 
a little music before dinner, have we any other 
guests, mother? 

Mrs. Studleigh. No, why do you ask? 

Mildred. I thought if you did not mind we 
would not fuss up for dinner, you know Mr. Jarvis 
has only his tennis suit here, and 

Mrs. Studleigh. Certainly you need not. I 
know Mr. Jarvis will not mind under the circum- 
stances. 

Jarvis. (Bowing) I beg to thank you for your 



10 LUCKY GULCH. 

consideration, Mrs. Studleigh, and you also, Miss 
Mildred, for {Looking at his suit laughingly) I 
was wondering about that very thing before you 
came to my rescue. 

Frank. Then that important point being settled 
to the satisfaction of all concerned, let us indulge 
in melody. Come on, Mr. Jarvis. 

Jarvis. Please excuse me, I am not musically in- ' 
clined, but I shall enjoy listening to you I am sure. 

Mrs. Studleigh. Mr. Jarvis can hold this skein 
of yarn for me while we listen to the music, if he 
will. 

Jarvis. I would be delighted. {Comes over, sits 
a little zvay from Mrs. Studleigh zvho puts yarn 
on his hands. She winds as scene proceeds) 

Polly. {At piano — turning over music) What 
shall it be ? 

Mildred. Let me see. {Turns music) Here, 
this is pretty, let's sing this. 

Frank. {Selecting) Here you are. {Sings a 
line of some popular song) 

Polly. Oh, don't, Frank, that's so silly, here's 
one. 

Mrs. Studleigh. {Smiling) Children, chil- 
dren, as you cannot seem to agree why not please 
me by singing the dear old song your mother loves 
to hear so well? 

Polly. The very thing. {Finds place) 

{One plays, and all three sing ''Believe me if all 
those endearing young charms." At the be-- 
ginning of the second verse Horace Studleigh 
appears at door b. c. He stands for a moment 
unobserved, listening, then comes and stands 
beside his ivife and holds her hand until they 
are through. Jarvis zvaiting respectfully.) 

Mildred. {Turning around) Why, father, 
when did you come in ? 



LUCKY GULCH. ii 

"Horace. Oh, I came in very quietly a moment 
ago, so I would not disturb your music. That is a 
song, children, that will never grow old. It will be 
sung when the most of those now lying on your 
piano are forgotten. It carries me back to the days 
when — like you — your mother and I were young and 
happy, thinking of naught save the pleasures of the 
present, and without a trace of care or a thought of 
trouble, (Sighs — soft music on piano as he talks) 
Is it not so, mother? (Stroking her hand) 

Mrs. Studleigh. Yes, Horace, we both love to 
-hear it. (Anxiously) But why do you speak in 
that way? Why should you think of such things 
as care or trouble with all these dear 

Horace. (Rather abruptly) Nonsense, mother. 
(Trying to speak jovially) 'twas only a little touch 
of old-time sentiment which was awakened by the 
children's song. (Going l.) How long before din- 
ner is ready? 

Mrs. Studleigh. Very soon now ; you are not 
going, Horace, we 

Horace. Only into the library for a short time, 
I have something very pressing that needs my atten- 
tion. Jarvis, please come with me. 

Jarvis. Yes, sir. 

(Both exit l. u. e.) 

Mrs. Studleigh. Frank, your father seems to 
be worrying about something, do you know what it 
is ? Do you know anything concerning his business 

"affairs which might cause him anxiety? 

Frank. To speak frankly, mother, I do not. 
You know I have only just finished my coUeee 
course, and am not as yet very closely in touch with 
affairs at the store ; but father and I had a long talk 

-only yesterday, and after I have had a short vacation 
I am goinof to turn in — learn the business as fast 
as I am able, and eventually, I hope, take it upon 



12 LUCKY GULCH. 

myself to relieve him of at least a portion of the 
burden which I think begins to weigh rather 
heavily upon him as he grows older. 

Mrs. Studleigh. I know you will. (Rising) 
And how grateful we should be that we have such 
a son. 

Mildred. And brother. (Clasping Frank's arm 
and laying her cheek on his shoulder) 

(Enter Clara r. u. e.) 

Clara. Can you come into the other room a 
moment, Mrs. Studleigh? 

Mrs. Studleigh. Certainly, Clara, what is it? 

(Exit both R. u. e.) 

Mildred. (Calling after them) Mother, 
mother, wait a moment. (To the others) Excuse 
me, please. (Runs off after them) 

Polly. (Laughing) Frank Studleigh, if a man 
could ever be spoiled by flattery, I think the adula- 
tions of mother and Mildred will result in your 
turning out a pretty bad sort. 

Frank. Oh, love is blind, Polly. Those to whom 
we are very dear (They move down front) are 
prone to overlook our sins and shortcomings, you 
know, and see only our best side. Now with you, 
it is of course very different. You can see perhaps 
what mother and Mildred are unable to. 

Polly. Oh, yes, I can see, sir; / am not to be 
hoodwinked by your superior virtue attitude, for I 
know what a consummate villain you are at heart ; 
Oh, la, la. (Throzvs up both hands — shakes her 
head in mock despair) 

Frank. Humph : as there are many true words 
spoken in jest, I presume I am to construe that re- 
mark either way I choose ; and, as I know you are 
not bound to me as closely as the others, indeed not 



LUCKY GULCH. 13 

really bound at all — you can naturally discern faults 
where they see only virtues. (A little bitterly) 

Polly. Don't, don't, dear Frank. (Taking his 
arm) Now you really hurt me, you knozv I was 
only joking ; you know also that I have the same 
high regard for you that they do — love you as 
dearly as they do. Who could be more like brother 
and sister than we have been all our lives? who 
could be nearer. 

Frank. That's just it, Polly, we have been like 
brother and sister, but you know we are not — that 
we are no relation to one another. So that which 
may have been well enough between us as children, 
cannot so continue now that we have grown up. 

Polly. Why, Frank, (Innocently) I do not un- 
derstand you. 

Frank. I see that you do not dear, but, (Turn- 
ing and taking both her hands in his) a day is com- 
ing when I am going to do my best to make you 
imderstand, and when that day comes, you will 
listen to me, will you not ? 

Polly. (Beginning to see) I — I don't know. 
(Trying to take her hands azvay) Please — please 
let me go. 

Frank. You will, say you will? 

Polly. (Confused) I — I — Oh, how can I tell? 
Please Frank? (He releases her — she runs off r. 

2 E.) 

Frank. (Looking after her) I wonder if I 
have frightened her? Why did I say what I did? 
I had no intention of doing so, at least, not yet, but 
it seems that the heart is not guided by hard and 
fast rules. (Exit Frank, r. i e.) 

{Enter Jarvis l. u. e., evidently in search of some- 
thing. Enter next Mildred r. u. e.) 

Jarvis. Pardon me, Miss Studleigh, your father 



J4 LUCKY GULCH. 

asked me to find the evening paper, do you know 
if it has come yet? 

Mildred. I do not, but wait just a moment, I'll 
look in the other room. (Returning) 

Jarvis. {Quickly) Please stay, I think it is 
hardly time for it yet, and I have something I would 
like very much to say to you. 

Mildred. {Pausing) To say to mef {Re- 
turns rather astonished) 

Jarvis. Yes, I have long desired to say.it, but 
have never seemed quite able to find the opportune 
moment. Miss Studleigh — Mildred — {She starts) 
I love you. You must know — must have seen it, I 
have loved you for years, and now I ask you to be 
my 

Mildred. {Amazed) Mr. Jarvis : What can 
you mean? I have never given you any occasion 
to 

Jarvis. Quite true, and this no doubt is some- 
what of a surprise to you but I do require an an- 
swer at once, all I ask for the present is that you 
will consider the matter — a little time — a 

Mildred. Consideration? Time? It would be 
quite useless, Mr. Jarvis, I thank you for the honor 
you confer on me, but this is impossible — utterly 
so. 

Jarvis. {Forgetting himself) You think so 
nozv perhaps, {Sneers) but when you find yourself 
in different circumstances, and I am 

Mildred. {Moving r.) I fail to comprehend 
you, but as you seem to have forgotten not only 
yourself, but also where you are, I will ask that 
you excuse me if I bring this — this interview to a 
close. {Bozvs, and exits r. u. e.) 

Jarvis. {Looking after her) Just so, young 
lady. I think however I see a time approaching 
when you may have to come down ofif your perch, 
high as vou may believe it to be to-day. A time when 
you will be flattered by the attentions of one whom 



LUCKY GULCH. 15 

you now regard as but your father's hired man. 
We'll see, we'll see. 

(Enter Horace l. u. e.) 

Horace. Did the paper come ? 

Jarvis. Not yet, sir, I was hunting for it. (A 
dinner gong is heard off l.) 

Horace. Oh, well, it dpes not matter. (Enter 
Clara r. u. e., she crosses and exits l. i. e. ; the\ 
gong rings again, enter Mrs Studleigh r. u. e., 
Polly r., 2 e., Frank r. i e. ; they all stop as the 
cry of a nezvsboy is heard off b. — the door b. c. 
being left free. Evidently startled) Hark: (A 
voice outside is heard calling — '' Pa-a-a-perrr, pa- 
a-perrr — all about the great fayl-yure") What is. 
that? 

Mrs. Studleigh. It's only the newsboy, father. 
Come, dinner is 

Horace. Wait, wait. 

(Clara enters l. i e. — again the voice — '' Pa-a- 
perrr, pa-a-a-perrr, all about the great fayl- 
yure. Extru, Extru.) 

Clara. Dinner is serv 



Horace. (Not heeding) Clara, bring the paper 
at once. 

Clara. Yes, sir, (Exit b. c.) 

Jarvis. (Aside) It's come. I was looking for 
it to-day. 

(All stand and look at Horace wonderingly — 
Clara returns with paper — hands it to Hor- 
ace — stands l. Horace looks at paper — gasps 
— falls into chair l. c. — seems faint. All rush 
to his assistance save Jarvis, zvho tries to talk 
to Clara.) 



i6 LUCKY GULCH. 

Mrs. Studleigh. Some water, quick, he seems 
faint. (Mildred brings it — he sips it and revives. 
The action must not lag) 

Frank. What was it, father? 

Horace. (Feebly) Read it. (Pointing at 
paper) I'll tell you about it afterwards. 

(Jarvis smiles evilly aside.) 

Frank. (Obeying) " Great Failure." " Brooks 
and Co., The Great dry goods wholesalers of New 
York go under — many stores throughout the coun- 
try involved in wreck." 

Mildred. I do not see any 

Horace. (Rising) I know — none of you un- 
derstand, and I fear I have done wrong to keep you 
in ignorance of my business affairs so long, but I 
did what I thought to be right — I tried to stem the 
tide, but could not. Now, you must know the truth, 
and all I ask is that you hear me calmly and bear 
bravely that which I have to disclose. 

Frank. Father 

Horace. My boy — this will be especially hard 
for you, but I know your sterling worth, and feel 
that you will — but listen, (To all) Like many 
others in my line, my business affairs, as Jarvis here 
can tell you, were tied up with, and to a large ex- 
tent dependent upon the solvency of this New York 
firm, they have been carrying a large credit for me 
for some time, and at last the crisis I have been 
fearing has been reached. My store will have to go, 
but I hope to be able to save enough from the dis- 
aster to enable us to leave here — for the home also 
will have to be sacrificed — and start anew in some 
other place, perhaps in the west. I am not as able 
as I once was to make a new start, but with your 
love to support me, and (Putting hand on Frank's 
shoulder) this strong young arm to lean upon, I^ 
I ^ 



LUCKY GULCH. 17 

Frank. Father, we will all stand by you — (To 
the rest) won't we? 

(They all eagerly assent.) 

Horace. I know you will. That is my great 
comfort in this dark hour, that, and one thing else, 
the knowledge that I have been strictly honorable in 
all my business affairs. My business integrity will 
not — cannot be questioned. (The door-bell rings 
as Horace is speaking, Clara goes, and returns 
with Austin Craig just as Horace finishes the last 
line) Ah, how do you do, Austin. (Extending his 
hand, zvhich Craig ignores) 

Austin. Ah — er — Horace, may I speak a few 
words with you in — er — in private? 

Horace. I hardly think any privacy is necessary, 
Austin; you have seen the paper? (Austin nods) 
well, there will be no more secrets from these dear 
ones here, they know all, all, so whatever you may 
have to say can be spoken without reserve. 

Austin. But this — this 

Horace. (A little impatiently) Please proceed, 
Austin. (Waving his objections aside) 

Austin. Very well, since you ivill have it so, 
there is no other course left me but to yield to you:r 
desire; but if that which I have to say proves dis- 
agreeable to you or to your family, please remember 
that I had no choice. (Horace nods rather zvonder- 
ingly) As soon as the news of the failure of Brooks 
& Co. was made public — I was called up by President 
Brown, of the Security Bank, in which institution 
as you know are, or I think I should say — zuere 
deposited, the funds representing the little fortune 
of your ward here. Miss Vance, of which fund you 
and I were joint trustees. 

(Jarvis listens closely.) 



i8 LUCKY GULCH. 

Horace. Well, what of it ? everything is all • 

Austin. Wait a moment, Horace, Brown seemed 
to be very much agitated, asked me if it was all 
straight in regard to Miss Vance's funds having 

been all withdrawn from the ■ 

. Horace. (Aghast) What — what do you say, 
Austin, withdrawn — No, no. 

Austin. (With rising voice) That's what I said 
— Withdrawn. Every dollar — every penny of it, 
and you — yoti are suspec 

Horace. My God: I know — I know — (Falls 
heavily to the floor, the others raise him and lay him 
on couch L.) 

Mrs. Studleigh. My poor husband — (To 
Clara) call the doctor, quick, quick. 

(Clara rushes off r. u. e., the ladies group them- 
selves by the couch, Frank comes c. and con- 
fronts Austin.) 

Frank. This is an outrage : Austin Craig, you 
have insulted my father — perhaps killed him. Look 
to it: (Craig shrugs his shoulders) Why, Jarvis 
here, knows better than this ; don't you, Jarvis ? 

Jarvis. (Deliberately) I know this is most un- 
fortunate — deeply to be regretted, and all that, 
especially so in the presence of his family, but 

Frank. ( Wildly) '' But ? "—What do you mean 
by that? Speak out, man. You are his confidential 
clerk, you know his unswerving honesty. 

Jarvis. (Reflectively) True, still — he was 
deeply involved as you see, perhaps as a help — tem- 
porary of course, hoping to tide himself over the 
worst, he yielded to 

Frank. Stop. Stop, your foul insinuations shall 
not be permitted to pollute the air that is breathed 
by those who love him so well — there is something 
behind this — what it is, I do not know, but I will 
dedicate every year of my life, and every effort of 



LUCKY GULCH. 19 

my body to prove your words as false as I now know 
your heart to be. 

(Tableau, Mildred comes to Frank who puts his 
arm about her, both look scornfully at Jarvis 
who is defiant. Austin stands at door b. ready 
to depart. Slozv curtain.) 

END OF ACT L 



ACT IL 



Scene: — The interior of a rough zvestern house, 
rather better than a cabin. Sparsely furnished 
— rough furniture — cheap table c. covered with 
enamel cloth, and laid for tzvo. Cheap table 
ware. A small stove b. c. Old desk r., zvooden 
bench r., a few common chairs — bare floor — 
fozvling pieces hanging on zvall — small alarm 
clock on desk — Door back l., doors or entrances 
R. and L. Coffee-pot on stove, also skillet con- 
taining bacon and eggs ready to serve, loaf of 
bread on table. Frank Studleigh is dis- 
covered at curtain rise engaged in cooking 
operations at stove. He is costumed as directed 
for this act, hat on back of head — pipe in his 
mouth, which he removes once in a zvhile to 
whistle or sing, putting in a little time at this 
business before he speaks. 

Frank. (Looking in coffee-pot) Done in about 
three minutes. (Snaps lid dozvn again) It's about 
time Dick was showing up, if he don't put in an ap- 
pearance before long it will be cold hog and leather 
eggs for his. (Goes and looks out door) Humph: 



20 LUCKY GULCH. 

here 'tis nearly — {Looks at clock) No, it's not, 
either, {Crosses to desk — picks up clock) What, 
only four — (Shakes it) Ha, ha, thought so — 
stopped again. (Winds it) When we bought this 
masterpiece of horology the dealer assured us it 
wouldn't strike, but it seems to me it has been on a 
strike ever since we got it. Here you go now, my 
laddy-buck. (Shakes it again) Now, I guess I'll 
make you a present of about — two — hours, I think 
that's about right, (Setting it) judging by the crav- 
ings of the inner man. Now — are you ready? 
(Holds it np) Go: (Slams it dozvn hard on desk 
— listens) Ha, ha, she's off — Some clock. 

(Enter Dick Stilwell at door b., attired like 
Frank — has a number of packages in his 
hands.) 

Dick. Ah, there, cook^^, (Looking at stove) 
how's supper coming up? By the jumping juniper 
tree ! I believe I'm hungry enough to eat the leg off 
of the table. (Coming over to table) 

Frank. Hullo, Dick, you came near losing your 
•rations this time. 

Dick. I did, hey? Why now, for instance? 

Frank. (Taking things from stove) Because I 
was just about ready to make this a solo perfor- 
mance. 

Dick. Not much, as long as / am in the gulch. 
Here — this is what kept me, boy, stepped into the 
store on my way home for these little domestic 
supplies, (Tosses bag on table) granulated sugar, 
guaranteed to contain tweny-five per cent best 
quality white sand. Coffee, (Tossing another bag 
on table) only half chicory. One dozen warranted 
cold storage eggs, of the vintage of — (About to toss 
them after the others) 

Frank. Lookout ! 

Dick. Eh? Oh, yes — eggsactly. (Lays them 



LUCKY GULCH. 21 

dozvn very gently) It's a good thing you spoke 
— it might be inadvisable to run the risk of crack- 
ing one of those choice specimens of hen fruit just 
as we are about to partake of the evening menu. 
And here's a bale of hay for the animal. (Another 
package) 

Frank. (Astonished) Hey? 

Dick. (Laughing) That's what, or in other 
words — a package of shag smoking for you, and 
(Another) one of the same sort for the man of the 
house, meaning myself of course. (Frank makes 
an offer to hit him — Dick dodges — they laugh) 
Now then, let's eat (Throzvs hat on bench — draws 
chair up to table. Frank, zvho has been getting 
supper on while Dick zvas talking, divides the con- 
tents of the skillet betzveen the fzvo — follozvs Dick's 
example. They eat and talk) 

Frank. Say, boss, that Vv'as some grading we did 
to-day, eh? 

Dick. It sure was, boy ; I don't think I ever 
sazv the gang get such a hustle on. At this rate we'll 
soon be through with this section and will have to 
move our headquarters furthur out into the wilder- 
ness, meaning — up the gulrh. 

Frank. (Absently) I'm afraid so, Dick. 

Dick. " Afraid? "" What do you mean by that? 
what is there to be afraid of ? 

Frank. (Thinking) Oh, nothing. 

Dick. Frank, you're a queer chap, there are some 
things about you that I can't understand. Since 
I've had you on the job I've never known you to be 
afraid of anything, and now you confess that you 
are afraid of — what ? — *' nothing." Ha, ha. 

Frank. (Laughing) Perhaps, and as confes- 
sion is said to be good for the soul I'll follow that 
up with another one. 

Dick. All right, Frank, let's have it, but first — 
slide that piece of ballast over this way. 

Frank. "Ballast?" 



22 LUCKY GULCH. 

Dick. Otherwise — the bread. 

Frank. Oh — (Pushes it over — Dick cuts a 
slice) In the first place Dick, about when do you 
expect we will have to move on? I think you said 
soon. 

Dick. Did I ? Well, soon in an operation of this 
sort may mean in a short time, and then it may mean 
" somedings else again all retty " as our friend 
Hoffmeister says. In the present case however I 
would prophesy that our flittin' would transpire 
in from eight to ten months. But why so anxious, 
may I ask? 

Frank. {Musing) Eight or ten months; that 
will not be so bad. 

Dick. I'm mighty glad to hear you say it, son ; 
them thare words o' yourn be sich a releef. 

Frank. I wonder what you would do, Dick, if 
you didn't have me to kid? 

Dick. That's the least of my worries, in that 
case I should take on another kid. Of course. 
{They both laugh — fill their pipes and smoke) 

Frank. You need to be sobered up old man, and 
I rather think this will do it — listen — My mother 
and sister are coming out here to visit me. 

Dick. {Jumping up and letting his pipe fall from 
his month) The devil you say : 

Frank. {Smiling quietly) I thought that would 
bring you 'round. 

Dick. But' you are joking, Frank. 

Frank. I am not. They are coming soon, and 
that means soon, not in eight or ten months, and 
wdiat's more, they may stay a while. My sister is 
an experienced school-teacher ; has been teaching 
now for about two years, and I have been as good 
as promised that she can have the new school we 
are going to start in the Gulch next month. She 
wants to see me, and also to see the west ; she's 
crazy about both, and, too, my mother has not 
been very well and we both think the change of 



LUCKY GULCH. 23 

air will do her a lot of good. Lucky Gulch isn't 
such a bad kind of a place, Dick, and I believe 
they'll like it. 

Dick. (Sobei^ly) But why did you not tell me 
all this before, Frank? 

Frank. Really, I hardly know. I wasn't ex- 
actly sure for one thing ; that is, not till a week or so 
ago, and we have been so confounded busy since, 
that I have hardly had time to talk about anything. 

Dick. That's all right ; of course I'm surprised, 
(Picks up his pipe and resumes smoking) but I'm 
mighty glad for you. You are right about Lucky 
Gulch being a pretty good place; we'll soon have 
the church and the school, we have the store, the 
railroad will be in operation before long, people 
are beginning to flock in already, the law and order 
society is right on the job, and then there's the 
wonderful mountain air. Why, your people can't 
help but like it, and it will be a fine thing for you 
to have them with you. 

Frank. Yes, and for you, too. 

Dick. For me? 

Frank. Sure! (Enthusiastically) You'll be 
one of us, of course, we'll build another room of 
two onto the shack, and 

Dick. Easy boy, (Holding up his hand) I 
wouldn't think of it. You and your folks will take 
the shack, that's settled. I know of a little place 
nearer the line which I can get, that will suit me 
fine, I'll just move my traps, (Laughing) it won't 
take long, you know. 

Frank. You'll do nothing of the kind ; I'll write 
them not to come, I'll 

Dick. Now, now, not so fast, don't go to doing 
anything foolish ; to tell the truth, boy, I've roughed 
It so long that I am all out of touch with the ways 
and the society of ladies, (Rather pensively) I'm 
a crusty old bachelor — sot in my ways — and a good 
deal better off alone in a shack hy myself, and a 



24. LUCKY GULCH. 

bunk for one. This place don't amount to much, 
take it and welcome. 

Frank. (Jumping up and taking Dick'^ hand) 
That's just like you, Dick, generous to a fault ; you 
know I have — have not ever said very much about 
what you have already done for me, but you know 
how I feel and — and — (Frank's voice breaks) 

Dick. {Laying his hand on Frank's shoulder) 
Forget it, boy, and please me by doing as I wish, 
won't you ? 

Frank I will, under one condition. 

Dick. And that 

Frank. Is, that you make this your second 
home ; that you come here often, often ; in short 
that you make yourself one of us. 

Dick. That^s mighty good of you, Frank, but 
the others 

Frank. Fll speak for them. Fve told them all 
about you, they'll want you too. 

Dick. But 

Frank. No, no buts. Either, yes — and I ac- 
cept your offer, or, no — and I hunt another place. 

Dick. Done then, that is, as far as — {A knock 
'at the door) come ifi. (Jake Meek enters at door 
B.) Hullo, Jake, just off the trail? 

Jake. Yep, just in, boys ; made quick time this 
trip you- can bet ye'r life, ye'r blasted ole ralerode 
'11 hev t' git a hike onto it t' beat it, thet is, if it 
ever gits a.-goin. 

Frank. Ha, ha, that's a sore spot with you, hey, 
Jake? 

Jake. Sore ? youngster — Huh : Well, never 
mine 'bout thet. Say, Mr. Stilwell, who d'ye think 
I brought down on the outside with me t'day? 

Dick. Oh, I don't know, Jake, the new preacher ? 

Jake. (Laughs) Preacher be — ahem — no, 
ruther a different kind of a bird, mebby you've heard 
of that gambler up t' Quartz City, Jim Price, ain't 
ye? • 



LUCKY GULCH. 25 

Dick. (Nodding) Yes, something-, why? 

Jake. Well, he's th' bird. Got kicked out up 
thare, an' now he's come down t' Lucky Gulch t' 
see if he can't be-devil some of th' young fellers 
'round here. 

Dick. What of it? we can't stop people from 
coming in, you know ; but if they don't behave 
themselves the law and order folks will run them 
out, you can make up your mind to that. 

Jake. You bet they will. And say — (Winking) 
I brought down a darned, nice-lookin' leetle gal, 
too. Whew ! 

Frank. Did you, Jake? who was she? What 
was she like? (Aniinated) 

Jake. (Winking aside at Dick — and jerking 
his thiifnb over his shoulder tozvard Frank) 
Speakin' 'bout " sore spots " I wouldn't wonder ef 
I hadn't sort o' found his'n, Ha, ha. Sho, I ain't 
a-tryin' t' answer all o' them questions o' your'n 
boy, all I got t' say is — you jest keep your eyes 
peeled, you'll see her fast enough, thare ain't any 
o' her kind 'round this Gulch. So long, boys, I 
must be a-moseyin'. Any orders for t'morrer, Mr. 
Stilwell? 

Dick. Don't think of any, now, but there prob- 
ably will be in the morning; (Jake going) hold 
on a minute, Jake, (Taking his hat) I think I'll 
go along with you as far as the hotel. (To Frank 
i — ivinking aside at Jake) I'll be back in a little 
while, Frank, what are you going to do — wash the 
dishes? 

Frank. No, confound you, it's your turn. 

Dick. All right, when I come back. (Exit 
Dick and Jake door b.) 

Frank. (Looking at dishes) I suppose I might 
do them ; he'd do a good deal more than that for 
me. , But I mustn't be selfish, (Magnanimously) 
I got the supper, why should I deprive my poor 
partner of the pleasure of doing the dishes? I 



26 LUCKY GULCH. 

simply couldn't be so mean. (Laughs — yazvns — ) 
Guess ril read a little while. (Takes book — 
sprazvls out on bench — reads and smokes — a short 
pause — knock at the door) Come in. (Goes on 
reading, does not look up until Joe speaks) 

(Enters door b. Joe True, follozved by Clara 
NoRRis. Joe has a small trunk on his shoulder 
zvith which he does a little comedy business 
aside as the others talk ) 

Joe. Here ye be. Miss, this is 

Frank. (Jumping up — rushes over to Clara) 
Clara Norris : (Takes both her hands) Where 
under the name of the sun, moon and all the planets, 
did you drop from? 

Clara. How do you do, Mr. Frank. (Cra::y 
zvith delight, Frank attempts to embrace her) 
Don't. (Breaks azvay) Whv, such a reception; 
(Removing hat) anyone would think you were not 
expecting us. 

Frank. (Bezvildered) " Expectino^ you " — us 
— I — what, Clara, you don't mean ? 

Clara. (Making herself at home) It is quite 
evident that you were not bv the way you act. 
Didn't you get Miss Mildred's letter saying we 
would start a fortnight sooner than we had planned ? 

Frank. No, not that one. Are mother and 
Mildred coming — where are they? Here — on their 
way — or 

Clara. (Laughing) How delightfully surprised 
and — and rattled you are, Mr. Frank ; it's a good 
thing we didn't all come at once ; if we had I am 
afraid there would have been another case for the 
asylum for the — (Taps her head suggestively) that 
is, if they have such things out here in — in — what do 
you call it? Oh, yes, in Lucky Gulch. (Rapidly) 
Anyway — Your sister zvrote you — they will be down 
on an extra stage that is coming a little later than 



LUCKY GULCH. 2-] 

the one I came on — they stopped at that — that out- 
landish place back there, Quartz City, whatever that 
means — to do a little shopping — and I thought I 
would come on ahead to {Looking about the shack) 
see what I could do to get things ready for them — 
and 1 guess there's cnoiigJi to do by the looks of 
.things around here — I had a little money of my own 
— wanted to see the west, and they were just per- 
fectly lovely about it, Air. Frank — said they couldn't 
pay me anything — as if I wanted pay from .any one 
who has been as good to me as your folks have — 
so I told them I was coming on my own account, 
and partly as a companion for your dear mother — 
so (Bozcing) here I am, and if I can't find some- 
thing out here among the — the — what is it they call 
that stuff we saw so much of on our way out over 
the plains? Oh, yes, sage brush, out here among 
the sage brush, by which I can earn my salt I'll 
miss my gue^, that's all. (Frank has been trying 
to get in a zcord during Clara's oration, but with- 
out success) 

Frank. Is that all? Clara, you are one of the 
dearest girls I ever saw except — exccpt- 



Clara. (Laughing) Oh, yes, I know- 



JoE. P'r'aps ye "" knozv " where ye want this here 
trunk put, Aliss; ef ye do, an ye don't mind, I'll put 
it wherever ye say. I like t' hold it all right — 
(Staggers) but I kinder thought ye might be a 
wantin' t' git sumthin' out'n it that's inside, an' 
'twould be sorter orkard with th' blame thing up 
here in th' air like this. (Staggers again) 

Clara. Oh, how thoughtless of me ; please ex- 
cuse me, Mr I 

Frank. (Laughing) True, Joe True, here Joe, 
let me — (helps Joe zvith the trunk) there you are. 

(Joe stretches himself.) 

Joe. By Gorry: (Looks at trunk) 'tain't what 



28 LUCKY GULCH. 

a feller might call big or nothin*, but By Mighty 
(feels his shoulders) it's got suthin in it, all right. 
(Looking at Clara approvingly) Same way with 

her I'll bet ye. My : but she's a 

Frank. Joe, this is Miss Clara Norris, a friend 
of mine from the east ; and a girl in a hundred. 

(Joe bows.) 

Clara. (Blushing) Now, Mr. Frank. 

Frank. Oh, I could say more than that, Clara, 
if I dared; and, Clara, this is Mr. True, Mr. Joe 
True, of Lucky Gulch.. And when I say that he is 
helpful to everyone — that everybody likes him, and 
that his heart is as true as his name, I have said 
about all that I need to, at least for the present. 
(Claps Joe on the back) Good old Joe. 

Joe. Humph : I won't tell ye what folks thinks 
o' him 'round here. The blaggard:^ (All laugh) 
I must be gittin' back t' th' store. I'm glad t' know 
ye, Miss Norris, an' ef thare's ennythin' more I kin 
do 

Clara. Do? I think we've both got more than 
we can do to live up to Mr. Frank's opinion of us ; 
but land, I can't stand around here all day talking 
with you two — (Looks around) such a looking 
place as this is, (Opens trunk — gets out cap and 
apron, puts them on as she talks) anyone might 
knozv this was a man's house. 

Frank. (Looking guilty) That's right, Clara, 
it is a bit mussed up. 

Clara. H'm, I should think so ; now, if you men 
will excuse me I'll just get busy here. 

Frank. (Taking hint, and hat) I can't wait. 
I am going down to see what time that stage will 
pull in; come along Joe. (He rushes off door b.) 

Joe. (To Frank) All right. (Aside) Gee: 
(Looking at Clara) but she's a winner, all right; 
I bet she's th' best lookin' gal in seven counties. 



LUCKY GULCH. 29 

Clara. (Turning) Why, I thought you had 
gone, Air. True. (Keeps hustUng) 

Joe. So-d I, but I hadn't, so I found out, (Fool- 
ing zvith his hat) y'see I'm clerk down t' th' store, 
an' I'm 'bout through fer th' day, so bein's thare's 
plenty o' daylight left I kinder thought as how (Em- 
barrassed) p'r'aps you an' me mite be takin' a walk 
t' gether 'round th' place — that is — ef you — you ain't 
got nothin' agin it. (Throzvs his hat up in the air 
end catches it) 

Clara. Go for a walk? not much. I want to 
get this — this — cabin straightened out in some kind 
of shape for the folks ; but if you have nothing in 
particular to do, and like my society so well, 
(Laughs) and want to make yourself useful as well 
as ornamental (Laughing aside) you can just take 
hold here and help me. 

Joe. (Throzving hat across room) Can I? you 
bet I will, (rolls up sleeves) what'll I do? shall I 
have t' wear one o' them things ? (Looking at apron) 

Clara. Ha, ha, no, of course not ; the idea. But 
(Taking a dust cap from trunk) you might wear 
this to keep you from getting your head full of 
Lucky Gulch dust. 

Joe. (Taking it) What a purty leetle thing, 
(Holding it up and looking at it admiringly) that's 
too good for me t' 

Clara. Fiddlesticks, put it on. 

(Joe tries.) 

Joe. How d'ye do it? blame th' thing, I can't 
seem t' 

Clara. (Leaving her zvork) Ha, ha, how awk- 
w^ard you are; now then, let me — (She puts cap on 
Joe's head) — now you see if you can't find a broom 
and give this floor a good sweeping ; goodness knows 
it needs it bad enough. (Gets busy again) 

Joe. (Finds an old broom) Here she is, (Hold- 



2,0 LUCKY GULCH. 

ing it up) Now ye jest watch me. (He goes to 
zvork with a will) 

(Clara puts the table back and tidies up the room 
as best she can. Joe szveeps vigorously, raises 
a cloitd of dust, Clara sneesies now and then, 
a little comedy action zvithout speech.) 

Clara. {Sneezing) Stop — Stop, {Sneezes) 
what a dust you are making. {Sneezes again) 

Joe. Can't help it, Miss Norris ; couldn't raise it 
ef 'twan't here, y'know. (Pausing) 

Clara. You are only just moving- it around — 
help me with this bench, please, (They move bench 
back R.) there — (Surveying room) that looks a 
little better, anyway ; now let me see, (She rests 
her chin in her hand) what next? (Thinks) 

Joe. (Aside admiringly) I wonder ef thay all 
look like her back whare she come from ? Ef thay 
do, blamed ef I wouldn't like t' live thare. 

Clara. (Coming to) Oh, yes, Mr. True, does 
Mr. Frank have an account at the store? 

Joe. 'Scuse me, but who was that feller you was 
jest a-talkin' to? 

Clara. (Looking around) No one, what do you 
mean? 

Joe. Why, that Mister True. 

Clara. (Laughing) Oh, why you, of course. 

Joe. (Bashfully) Then what I was a-wantin' 
t' say was — nobody 'round here calls me Mister ; 
that is, nobody I guess but th' preacher, an' he ain't 
got here yit ; them what I like, an' them as likes me 
— calls me Joe, an' — (Fooling with broom) I 
kinder thought as how — that — mebby you would be 
a-wantin' t' call me Joe too. 

Clara. (Laughing aside) But, Mr. True, you 
see I've known you for such a short time. 

Joe. (Eagerly) That don't make no difiference ; 



LUCKY GULCH. 31 

Tnebby 'twould be a good thing t' begin afore ye git 
t' know me enny better. 

Clara. {Thoughtfully) That's quite true, Mr. 
True. 

Joe. Oh, Shucks : please make it Joe. 
Clara. Oh, la, yes ; an}1:hing to oblige Mr — er, 
Joe. 

Joe. (Pleased) Now, that's sumthin' like it, 

Cla 

Clara. (With dignity) Miss Norris, if you 
please IMr. ah, Joe. 

Joe. Yes, yes, I meant Miss Norris. 
Clara. (Demurely) No doubt; but you came 
very near saying something else, and I wish you to 
distinctly understand — distinctly, do you follow me? 
Joe. (Abashed) Oh, yes, ^larm — distinctly. 
Clara. To distinctly understand that / am not 
so popular as to wish to have everyone I happen to 
meet call me by my first name. I hope I make my- 
self plain? 

Joe. Oh, you couldn't do that, you know, !Miss 
Norris. 

Clara. Couldn't do what? 

Joe. Make yourself plain; ennybody as nice 

lookin' as you are couldn't do 

Clara. I think that will do. (Coldly. Aside) 
Did you ever ? there is one thing about this country 
that I have noticed already, it is not at all slow. 
(To Joe) I think you said that Mr. Studleigh had 

an account 

Joe. (Briskly) Sure thing; did you happen t' 
be wantin' ennythin'? (Whips out pencil and order 
hook) 

Clara. Yes — wait, though ; I think I will go out 
— or down, or wherever it is, (Gets hat) is it far? 

Joe. No, only a step ; an' we've got some fine 

Clara. Never mind, I'll look your stock over 
myself, please excuse me. (Going towards door 

B-) 



Z2 LUCKY GULCH. 

Joe. (Grabbing hat) I am going along, too, 
you know. (Starts to follozv) 

Clara. (Discoiiragingly) It is hardly neces- 
sary I think. (Hand on door) 

Joe. (Winking aside) That's because you don't 
know ; this is an azvfitl place, IMiss Norris, you've 
no idee — 

Clara. (With door half open) Awful ? 

Joe. Jest so, bears — elephants — kangaroos — and 
all kinds o' savage animiles, (Clara — frightened, 
closes door and comes close up to Joe) an' — an' 
prarie dogs, why, on'y th' other day a man was run 
down by a great big wild prarie dog that nearly 
chawed off his le 

Clara. Oh, Joe, I'm so frightened. (Looks ap- 
prehensively around) 

Joe. Not t' say any thin' 'bout injuns ; but ye 
don't need t' be skeered, I kin handle th' varmints. 

Clara. Joe, are you sure ? 

Joe. (Bravely) Huh: y'oughter see me; come 
along, there's no danger ef ye go with me. (Winks 
aside) 

(Exit both B., a short pause — a knock is heard at 
the door, a pause, another knock — a little 
louder — finally the door is opened slozdy front 
the outside and Jim Price — gambler, enters 
slozvly, looking around the room as he does so. 
He carries a suit-case in his hand — calls.) 

Jim. Hallo. (No anszver) Hallo. (Another 
pause) Humph : that's queer, the door was open, 
must be someone around. There will be someone 
here shortly, no doubt. (Comes down — takes a 
chair — lights a cigarette and snakes himself at 
home) Think I might as well wait as I don't know 
of any other place to go to in this Gulch. This 
shack looks comfortable enough, I'd be mighty glad 
to get a room here. Couldn't get in over at the 



LUCKY GULCH. 33 

hotel — everything full, so they said. Humph : I 
wonder if — it might be true though, they say people 
are coming in here pretty fast lately — hope so — it 
would be a good thing for my business perhaps. 
Rotten town that Quartz City — too advanced — no 
chance for a man who understands how the great 
American game should be played. {Laughs) I 
don't think the west is what it was in the old days, 
there must have been some chance for a decent game 
and a good haul in those times. However, this place 
may contain a few yaps who are not getting much 
comfort out of their money (Smiles) I'll see any- 
way. (Sits R. and smokes — ivaits — short pause — 
enter Dick b., he stops astonished at seeing a 
stranger) 

Jim. Good-evening, sir. 

Dick. Good-evening; you appear to be making 
yourself at home, here. 

Jim. I hardly wonder that you think so, and I 
will apologize for the apparent freedom I have 
taken and will explain if you will permit me to do 
so. 

Dick. (Coming doivn) Certainly, you are a 
stranger in the Gulch, are you not? (Looking at 
Jim curiously) 

Jim. I am ; just landed about an hour ago. I 
found the hotel full up and in looking around for 
a place to put up I ran across your house — you Hve 
here, do you not? 

Dick. I do, yes. (Suspicious) 
' Jim. I thought perhaps I might be able to obtain 
a room here, so I knocked ; getting no response, and 
finding the door ajar, I walked in. 

Dick. So I see. 

Jim. Yes; I took the liberty to step in and wait 
until some one came, I trust you will pardon- — - 

Dick. No apologies ; we do not stand much on 
^ceremony around here, but as to a room^ — — 



34 LUCKY GULCH. 

Jim. I would certainly be glad if you could ac- 
commodate me, Mr 

Dick. Stilwell is my name. 

Jim. (Rising and shaking Dick by the hand) 
Glad to know you, Mr. Stillwell. I think I have 
heard of you ; you are the engineer in charge of the 
operations of the G. and D. railroad here, I believe. 

Dick. I am. And you? 

Jim. (Easily — laughing) Oh, I have no par- 
ticular claim to distinction, just a plain American 
citizen, traveling through the west in search of — er 
— of some investments. 

Dick. Just so, Mr — I think I did not catch your 
name ? 

Jim. Pardon me, Price is my name. James 
Price. (Dick starts) 

Dick. (Aside) I thought so. (To Jim) I am 
very sorry, Mr. Price, but the fact is we have no 
accommodations ; there are but three rooms here 
and guests expected, so you will readily see 

Jim. (Taking grip) Very well, sir; sorry to 
have troubled you, (Going) see you again — per- 
haps? 

Dick. (Doubtfully) Perhaps — I think, how- 
ever, that your path and mine are hardly likely to 
cross — not socially, at least. 

Jim. How so? (Simulating astonishment) 

Dick. Because — / also have heard of you, Mr. — 
Price. If that is your name. (With some sarcasm) 

Jim. (Dropping grip) Sir — do you dare to in- 
sinuate ? 

Dick. (Holding up his hand) Never mind the 
theatricals, I have heard of you — Jim Price — gam- 
bler and crook — kicked out of Quartz City for 
shooting a boy in a game of poker — you got off by 
the assistance of a shyster lawyer as crooked as 
yourself, but vou will have to walk a straight line 
around Lucky Gulch, let me tell you, or I will 
see 



LUCKY GULCH. ' 35 

Jim. (Sneering) You will see. Well — what? 
Dick. I'll see that you are kicked out of here 
also. Is that plain? 

(Enter Frank hurriedly B.) 

Frank. (Gaily) Raining a little bit, boss — 
came back for some — (He sees Jim Price — pauses 
— petrified) 

Jim. (Aside) Frank Studleigh, here? 

(Tableau — the two glaring at one another, Dick 
looking on in wonderment. Frank finally 
comes sloivly down stage, very slozvly — he 
also speaks slozvly — not loudly, but with most 
intense feeling.) 

Frank. You — You, Alfred Jarvis, — Here? 
Jim. Well, what of it, Studeligh? This is a free 
country, I believe. 

(Dick looks from one to the other in amazement.) 

Frank. ( With rising voice) " Free " — " Free ? " 
Yes, it is free for men, but not for such things as 
you — You — thief and crook — robber of the good 
name and character of an honorable man, yes, even 
in the hour when lying dead before his stricken 
family he could raise no voice in his own defence, 
Ah — (He makes a spring for Jim, zvho retreats, 
making a move towards his hip pocket. Dick grabs 
Frank and holds him back) 

Dick. For God's sake, calm yourself, Frank. 
What does this mean? 

Frank. (Choking tvith anger) Mean? — Mean, 
(Struggling to free himself from Dick's grasp) 
Dick — Dick — (His voice trembling) to think of see- 
ing him — Him — here. 

Jim. Very pretty — quite melodramatic, but not 



36 LUCKY GULCH. 

becoming in the son of an embezzler ; a man who 
to save himself from ruin, and to serve his own 
ends, stole the fortune of an orphan girl which was 
entrusted to his charge. 
Frank. You liar 

{Breaking from Dick's hold he hurls himeslf at Jim 
— slaps him across the mouth and they grapple^ 
— struggle for mastery — Dick stands unde- 
cided zvhat to do — Frank trips — falls — Jim 
tvhips an ugly looking knife from beneath his 
coat — on one knee over Frank — raises knife 
to plunge it into Frank — Dick nozv jumps in 
— grasps Jim by the zvrist — pulls him up — Dick 
and Jim struggle for possession of the knife — 
Dick's superior strength manifests itself — he 
makes Jim lose his hold — knife drops on floor 
— Dick then hurls Jim across the room and he 
falls heavily to floor. Tableau — the men, both 
breathing heavily, glare at each other, Frank 
in c. ; this scene should be enacted with tense 
feeling — rapidly — and avoiding anything savor- 
ing of the farcical. Dick nozv steps rapidly 
over to desk — takes revolver from drazver, and 
returns. ) 

Dick. {To Jim) Get up. 

Jim. {Rising slozvly) You hold the high hand 
just now, Stilwell, but there will be another deal 
later, and then 

Dick. {Ignoring him) Frank, Fm going to 
take this — this — Humph : Fll not degrade the name 
of man — by applying it to him. But he is going to 
the Sheriff's office with me, and you 

Frank. {Aside to Dick) No, Dick, no. Let 
him go now, there are reasons 

Dick. But 

Frank. Please, it is my wish, he will leave town 
to-morrow — my folks are coming — may be here any 



LUCKY GULCH. 37 

moment — this delay, you know ; do it, Dick, won't 
you? 

Dick. All right, Frank, I will if you say so; 
even though I cannot understand your reasons. 
(Jim has been brushing his clothes and picking up 
his grip. To Jim) I have decided to let you off 
for the present with the understanding that you 
leave town to-morrow on the first stage, if not 

Jim. If you think you 

Dick. {Pointing gun) Get out, you have said 
enough — too much — Get. 

{Exit Jim door b.) - ^ 

Frank. {Tossing knife, which he has picked up, 
on table) Thank you Dick, I know you do not 
understand — it's a long story — you shall know it all, 
sometime, I promise you, but not now, not now. I 
am too — too 

Dick. Never mind boy {Puts his arm around 
Frank) brace up, don't allow anything said by a 
skunk of that stripe to give you any 

{Voices heard off B.) 

Jake. {Speaking outside) This way, ladies; 
this here's th' place. 'Tain't much t' look at— here 
y'are. {The door bursts open — Jake enters with 
two grips— foUozved by Mrs. Studleigh and 
Mildred) 

Frank. Mother : 

Mrs. Studleigh. My boy: {They embrace-^. 
Frank turns to Mildred) and Mildred. 

IMildred. Oh, brother : 

{Same business — Jake zvipes his eyes on a red 
bandanna— Dick turns away.) 

Frank. Dick— Dick— where are you? what are 



38 LUCKY GULCH. 

you skulking there for? Come here. (Dick comes 
up to the group — he is rather bashful) Mother — 
Mildred — Dick. Why should any formal introduc- 
tion be needed between you three? {To the ladies) 
You know all about Dick? The finest fellow, and 
the best friend in the world. I have written you 
enough about him at least. (To Dick) And, Dick, 
I have told you volumes about these two — the best 
mother, and sweetest sister a man ever had, isn't 
it enough? know each other? Oh, I am so happy. 
Just to think of seeing you three together at last, 
it's Glorious: isn't it Jake? (Hugs Jake) 

Jake. You bet, youngster. (Blozvs nose vocifer- 
ously) 

Mrs. Studleigh. Frank is right — (Greeting 
Dick) I am so glad to know you, and sometime I 
hope to be able to thank you for all you 

Mildred. (Same business) And I, too, Mr. 
Stilwell. But, now, it all seems so like a dream — 
our being here ; but, oh, I am so glad. 

(More voices heard off b. Enter Clara with pack- 
ages. Joe with a large basket filled ivith sup- 
plies; they are followed by Polly Vance 7vho 
comes c. opposite Frank — a slight pause — 
Polly smiling. Frank stupefied zvith aston- 
ishment.) 

Frank. (Finding his voice at last) Polly. 
(Takes both her hands) Polly. (Looks at her 
hungrily) Polly Vance, is this really you ? Mother 
— Mildred — did you know? 

Mildred. (Laughing) Of course we knew. 

Mrs. Studleigh. It is a surprise for you, my 
son, and I think a really complete one. 

Polly. I think it hardly fair to take any one at 
such a disadvantage as this, but it is a very nice way 
to find out if a person is really glad to see you. 
(Laughs) 



LUCKY GULCH. 39 

Frank. Glad — A surprise? Well, I should say. 
Why — why — {Too happy for words) 

Joe. Say, Miss Norris, any where'n p'ticklar ye'd 
like t* have these grocrys put? 

Clara. Oh, anywhere, Joe ; I guess. 

Joe. {Drops basket — contents roll on floor) 
Jerusalem : I like t' have f ergot, say Mr. Stilwell — 
Frank — have ye heard th' news ? 

Dick. I don't know, Joe ; what Is it ? 

Joe. {All excited) Why, th' folks what just 
come down on th' stage say there's been th' biggest 
kind of a strike over lone mountain way. 

Frank. What kind of a strike, Joe, railroad, 
or 

Joe. No, gold, of course, everybody's talkin' 
about it. I'm a-goin'. 

Clara. You, Joe? {Seems disturbed) 

Joe. You bet I am. An' when I come back — 
{Looks at Clara) who knows — say — {Takes Clara 
aside — they talk together) 

Frank. If this proves true, I shall go also. 
{The ladies start to remonstrate) Yes, mother, I 
am. I have been looking for something of this kind 
ever since I came west ; and perhaps this is the very 
opportunity I have longed for, this may be the way 
in which I shall be able to obtain — and to restore to 
Polly the— the 

(Polly covers his month with her hand.) 

Polly. No, no, Frank, you shall not say it ; that 
is all past — forgotten. 

Frank. But not by me, dear; if you only knew 
the weary days — the sleepless nights, {taking her 
down R.) Polly, do you remember what I said to 
you three years ago? About a time — a time — 
(Polly nods shyly) Well, perhaps that time is 
coming, dear, who knows, who knows? {Slow cur- 
tain) 

END OF ACT II. 



40 LUCKY GULCH. 



ACT IIL 

Time: — Three months are supposed to have elapsed 
between Acts I and U. 

Scene: — Same as in Act I, but shoiving the effect 
of woman's presence — carpet on floor — stove 
banished, comfortable chairs and other fiirni- 
ture about — rockers, couch r. — table b. c. — ^ 
simple ornaments around — in short, the same 
interior as in former act, but in a new dress,^ 
using anything to carry out this effect. 

(Polly is discovered on rise of curtain. She is 
seated by table c. occupied zvith zvork of some 
kind.) 

Polly. (Sighing) Three months, and only one 
letter in all this time, none at all for the last six 
weeks, and I am so anxious. I know Mother and 
Mildred feel the same way too, though we all try 
not to worry. Mr. Stilwell does not seem to think 
it at all strange that we do not hear, says communi- 
cation is difficult from a field like lone mountain. 
I do so hope he is right. (Sighs again) 

(Enter Clara briskly at door b., she has a large 
bundle zMch she drops on the floor to remove 
her hat.) ^ 

Polly. Did you get any letters, Clara ? 

Clara. Bless your dear heart, Miss Polly, didn't 
we both go to the post-office, this morning? you 
know there's only one mail a day, so where under 
the sun do you think a letter would come from, at 
tbis hour? Out of the sky? (Takes Policy's face 



LUCKY GULCH. 41 

betzveen her hands) Now, see here, Miss Polly. I 
know what you have been doing for the past half 
hour ; you've been sitting here worrying, haven't 
you? (Polly nods) Yes, I knew it. Didn't Mr. 
Stilwell tdl us not to do it, didn't he? (A nod) To 
be sure he did, so I think we should try not to. 
{She puts an apron on — gets a basket — opens the 
package she has brought home, and dumps the con- 
tents — potatoes — into the basket) 

Polly. You talk all right, Clara, but I've watched 
you. You worry yourself, I have seen you. 

Clara. I — Worry? Ha, ha, I should think not. 
Why should I worry I'd like to know ? Just look at 
those potatoes, they just make me think of a little 
boy at the circus. ^ 

Polly. Why, Clara? 

Clara. All eyes, — and such a price, too. 

Polly. {Persisting) It's no use trying to turn 
the subject, I know you are worrying about Joe as 
much as we 

Clara. {Sits on floor — laughs heartily) Joe 
True? Me worry about him, well not that anyone 
would notice very much. {Tosses her head) He is 
able to take care of himself I guess. But I wouldn't 
think Joe would make much of a miner, he is much 
better fitted for a butcher. 

Polly. How do you know. I never noticed any- 
thing as sanguinary about Joe as what you say 
would seem to imply. 

Clara. What — did you never notice the way 
Joe butchers the English language? My, oh, my: 
it's awful. 

Polly. {Smiling) There are a great many 
worse things than that, Clara. 

Clara. Perhaps there are, but there are not 
many that sound any worse. (Clara sighs quite 
noticeably — Polly smiles, but says nothing. After 
being lost in thought for a little zvhile Clara springs 
up) Well— I don't think sitting here will get these 



42 LUCKY GULCH. 

potatoes peeled, and they must be made ready for 
supper. 

Polly. Won't you let me help you? {Starts to 
rise) 

Clara. You sit right still where you are, I am 
going to bring them right in here and take their 
jackets off in public, we are going to have company, 
a caller, and I want to be here when he comes, I 
wouldn't miss him for anything. 

Polly. A caller ? how nice ; who is it ? 

Clara. Jake Meek. He just came in from his 
trip, and hailed me as I was coming out of the post- 
office. 

Polly. {Looking up) The post-office, Clara? 
What were you doing there? I thought you said 
just now that it was no use going 

Clara. {Quickly) Oh, I went in after a stamp, 
and as I was coming out Jake hailed me and wanted 
to know — {Imitating Jake) " How's all th' folks 
— Hey?" I replied, that everyone was quite well, 
and inquired why he had not been around to see us 
lately, and it seemed to tickle him so much to have 
me say it that he took me right up and said — " By 
Gum : Miss Clara, I'm a-goin' t' drop in on my 
way hum, jest fer a minnit, ye know. I'll be down 
thar es soon es I can git a drink o' — er — a drink o' 
water, ye know, t' wash some o' this blamed 
alkali dust out'n my throat." Ha, ha, Jake's a 
circus, band wagon and all. {Exit Clara zvith her 
potatoes L.) 

{Enter Mrs. STUDLriGii r. ; she Jias some knitting 
work and a skein of blue yarn.) 

Mrs. Studleigh. Did I hear Clara come in? 
{Sits) 

Polly. Yes, she is in the kitchen ; she will be 
back in a moment. 



LUCKY GULCH. 43 

Mrs. Studleigh. I suppose she did not get any 
letters ? 

Polly. No, mother. 

(Mrs. Studleigh sighs— knits. Knock at door b. 
Polly goes — admits Jake Meek.) 

Jake. Howdy, folks. {Takes off hat— makes 
szueeping bow) 

Polly. We are all very well, thank you, ]\Ir. 
Meek, and very much pleased to see you ; may I 
take your hat? 

Jake. No, marm, not wuth while, on'y goin' t' 
stop a minnit, jest thought I'd drop in a leetle while 
es I was goin' by, an' ask after th' missus. How be 
ye feelin', mum; enny better, mum? 

Mrs. Studleigh. Oh, I am ever so much better, 
Mr. Meek, thank you. I am in love with this grand 
mountain air of yours. 

Jake. Oh, 'tain't mine; but ef 'twas ye'd be 
more'n welcome t' all ye cou'd breathe. (All laugh) 
Whare's (Looking around) Miss Norris? Seen her 
down b' th' post-offis a leetle while ago. 

Polly. She is here. I think she will be right in. 

Jake. Darned glad t' hear it. Say — d'ye know, 
she's 'bout my idee o' a gal, she is. By th' great 
Injun : ef I was a leetle younger, or she was a leetle 
older — wou'dn't keer much which — thare's no 
knowin' what mite happen. Ha, ha. 

(Enter Clara zvith a pan of potatoes. She sits 
and peels them during the following scene.) 

Clara. How do you do, ]\Ir. Meek. Did you get 
the— ahem— the dust laid all right ? ( Winking aside 
at Polly) 

Jake. (Looking guilty) Y-es, tollably (Clears 
his throat) tollably. 

Clara. I presume you find in traveling over 



44 LUCKY GULCH. 

these plains so much that this operation has to be 
performed pretty frequently in order to keep the 
throat clear from foreign matter, do you not? 

Jake. (Slyly) Um-m — yes, to a sartain extent, 
es ye mite say. Ye see, Miss Clara, a country like 
this here one need consid'able irrigatin' t' keep 
things from dryin' up. A-hem. 

Clara. (Demurely) Yes, I've noticed it. 

Mrs. Studleigh. Could you hold this yarn for 
me, Clara? (Holding up skein) 

Clara. Yes, I suppose so; but — (Looking at 
her pan of potatoes) 

Mrs. Studleigh. Oh, excuse me, I did not notice 
that 

Clara. (Laughing) IMrs. Studleigh, if you 
should ever happen to be honored with a monu- 
ment, a real one, you know, such as they have in 
the parks — and I am sure no one ever had one v/ho 
deserved it any more — I sincerely hope it will show 
you with a skein of yarn in your hand, holding it 
out for a waiting world to help you wind. (All 
laugh) Now, here are Miss Polly and myself as 
busy as two bees, there are you with work to do, 
but sadly hampered for want of assistance, and 
there is Mr. Meek sitting there with not a thing to 
do in the world but look pretty. 

(Jake tries it, to the amusement of the others.) 

Polly. What is the answer, Clara? 

Clara. Logically the answer is. that Mr. Meek 
is the candidate for holding Mrs. Studleigh's yarn. 

Mrs. Studleigh. (Reprovingly) Clara — how 
you do go on ; I wouldn't think of such a thing. 

Jake. (Hitching his chair over) That's all 
right, mum, she's sure a wonder at noticin' things. 
Jest lemme hold th' stuff, that is, ef I kin. Never 
was much at doin' fancy work, t' tell th' truth. 

Mrs. Studleigh. Clara is very flippant — shock- 



LUCKY GULCH. 45 

ingly so — she needs to be scolded, but I would be 
glad of your help, so if you do not mind — (Getting 
skein ready) but this is not fancy work you know, 
just plain socks for the boys ; they will need them I 
am afraid if they should have to stay out in those 
mountains all the winter. 

(Puts yarn on his hands — he is very clumsy.) 

Jake. (Performing) How d'ye do it? Oh, yes, 
I see — H'm, 'tain't so darned hard oncet ye git th' 
hang o'. it is it ? 

(All busy — Mrs. Studleigii winding — Clara peel- 
ing potatoes, Polly sewing — Jake talking.) 

Clara. Mr. Meeks — I suppose you have been a 
stage driver a good many years, have you not? 

Jake. Sartain, mami ; lemme see — it's goin' on 
for thirty year, I'm dogged ef 'tain't how time hikes 
along. 

Polly. And no doubt you have had a great many 
strange experiences during your career? 

Jake. Eh? — you mean 

Clara. Miss Polly means that some funny things 
must have happened to you during all those years. 

Jake. Oh, well, I don't know's t' say funny 
edzactly ; though I do mind one that was considable 
o' a joke on me, oncet, a good while back. 

Clara. Indeed, how interesting, what was it? 

Jake. Why, 'twas when I roped that pesky 
maverick. 

Polly. A- " maverick ? " what is that, a wild ani- 
mal? 

Jake. H'm, sum times, but not alius. A 
maverick's kind o' an orphan steer's ye mite say; 
one what 'ain't been branded, an' in them days he 
uster b'long t' th' fust man that clapped a hot iron 
onto him. 



46 LUCKY GULCH. 

Clara. Do you mean a flat iron ? How strange. 

Jake. No, a brandin' iron. Y'see I was drivin' 
stage at th' time b'tween Eagle Notch an' Whiskey 
Knob, an' one day es I was a comin' over th' 
divide 

Mrs. Studleigh. The divide? 

Jake. Yes, mum, sort o' a hill like — I seen a lone 
steer down in a dip 

Clara. What is a dip, Mr. Meek? 

Jake. Sort o' a valley — I seen th' steer, ye know, 
an I sez t' m'sef says I — ef that thare critter hap- 
pens t' be thare when I come back blamed ef I 
don't try t' git a rope onto him, looks like he's a 
maverick. Well enough next day thare he was 
rite in th' same spot. I jest tuk a squint at him 
through th' long eyes an 

Clara. Through the what? 

Jake. Eh? Oh, through th' glasses, ye know — 
an' thare wasn't a mark t' be seen on him anywhare, 
so havin' no passengers aboard I slewed th' machine 
inter th' side o' th' road, pulled a lariat out'n my 
boot an 

Polly. Please excuse me for interrupting you, 
but what is a lay — lay 

Jake. A lariat? Why, that's a kind o' a leather 
rope what ye rope cattle and other varmints with. 

Clara. But did you not say that you took this — 
this thing, this rope out of your boot {Looking at 
Jake's feet) how could you carry it there, Mr. 
Meek ? 

Jake. {Aside) What ignorant critters these be. 
{To Clara) I cou'dn't, th' boot I'm a-talkin' about 
is a leetle cubby hole — sort o' a cache, ye know, up 
in front 

Clara. Oh, dear, what is a cache? you must 
think. we are awfully ignorant. 

Jake. Not a bit of it, miss ; lemme see— whare 
was I at — Oh, yes, the cache is a boot — {Confused) 
I mean the boot is a — well — it's a kind o' a leetle 



LUCKY GULCH. 47 

locker lip in front o' th' stage — d'ye happen t' know 
what a locker is? 

Clara. (Brightening) Oh, yes, indeed. 

Jake. Good — sort o' a locker in front. Well, t' 
go on — arter I'd corralled th' lasso I started out 
a-foot t' kinder stalk th 

Polly. What is that ? 

Jake. Hey — what's what? 

Polly. I think you said stock or something. 

Jake. {Draws a long breath — sits back) 
Humph : p'raps (Sarcastic) I orter a said — I started 
t' steal very quietly an' unobsarved up onto th' 
maverick — anyway, that's what I did, follered him 
over into a coulee an 

Clara. (Laughing) Mr. Meeks, for mercy's 
sake, do tell us what you mean by a cool E. ? 

Jake. A coulee ? jest a dried up water way in 

Clara. (Mischievously) Dusty, too, no doubt? 

Jake. (Eyeing her a moment) Um-m, mebby. 
Any way, I finally got th' rope 'round her horns, 
an' then we begun a fite t' see who was who 'round 
that country ; 'twas gittin' might interestin' too, fer 
both me an' th' maverick when all o' a sudden over 
a rise 'bout half a mile away I seen a big cloud o' 
dust a curlin' up, an out 'n it, yellin' like a lot o' 
comanches come a posse o' cow punchers headed 
by a pop eyed yap with about a bale o' sage brush 
on his face, thay 

Polly. Why did he have the sage brush on 
his 

Jake. Excuse me, that's sort o' slang, I meant 
t' say alfalfa — with his face covered with alfalfa 
which the whole caboodle on 'em swooped down on 
me with th' yap in front lookin' es wild es a locoed 
pinto. 

Clara. Locoed ? 

Polly. Pinto? (All together) 

Mrs. Studleigh. What is a "yap," Mr. Meek? 

Jake. (Rising — exasperated) Great: Humph, 



48 LUCKY GULCH. 

{Cooling down) never mind. {Sits again) 'tenny 
rate, they rounded up 'side o' me an' th' maverick 
— th' whole gang howhn' Hke one o' them steam 
kally-hoots what I seen oncet over t' Butte. I'd 
jest got th' critter hobbled when thay all turned 
in an' b'gun t' cuss me fer a cattle rustler — ole pop 
eye dim down out'n th' saddle — run his hand over 
th' steers withers — breshed back a tuft o' hair an' 
pinted t' a faint Bar-Q-3-mark he claimed was his'n, 
'twas purty faint, but 'twas thare all right. I seem 
I was in wrong — tried t' explain — but 'twas no go — 
them fellers cou'dn't understand a plane explana- 
tion enny better'n you woemen folks seems — ahem 
— well, t' make a long story short, it seems thare'd 
been to much cattle stealin' goin on 'round them 
parts — thay didn't know me — wanted a victim — so 
1 was elected — thay yanked me onto a broncho — 
tuk me down near th' trail whare thay said I'd 
sarve es a warnin' t' evil doers — tied a halter 'round 
my neck — gin th' broncho th' high sign — out she 
jumped — an' thare was Jake a-dancin' on 

T'lara. Mr. Meek, they did not hang you? 

Polly. How awful. 

Jake. {Pleased) That's what they did — an' as 
I was sayin' — thare I was, a-dancin' on this wonder- 
ful but not particarlarly sustainin' Rocky mountin 
atmosfere. {The girls shiver) 

{Enters door b. Mildred and Dick. She has some 
books in her hand, evidently she has just re- 
turned from school. Dick is dressed in a busi- 
ness suit, evidently taking a day off.) 

Mildred. Well, I declare,^ if mother has not 
enlisted Mr. Meek in her service — no one escapes. 

Dick. You old catamount, I never knew until 
lat-4y that you could be such a ladies' man. (Jake 
looks rather sheepish) I believe you are getting 
to b^ — (Mildred takes Dick's hat — removes her 
ozvn things) 



LUCKY GULCH. 49 

Clara. Oh, Mr. Stilwell, Mr. Meek has just 
been telling us the most delightful story, all about — 

Dick. (Smiling) Which one was it, Jake? The 
maverick yarn? 

Jake. Here now, young feller, none o' your 
kiddin', say — {Taking Dick aside) I never seen 
sich ignerance in my life, these woemen here don't 
seem t' know th' fust rudicaments o' th' American 
language. 

Dick. (Aside) I'll bet they don't, not your 
brand. (Laughs) 

Clara. And did you die, Mr. ]\Ieek? 

Jake. Eh? — Me? — Oh, no, not seriously, ye 
see 

Dick. (Putting his hand on Jake'.? shoulder) 
I'll finish the yarn for him. Miss Norris, it goes 
this way — some friends of Jake's came down the 
trail — saw the stage standing there by the trail — 
suspected something was wrong — hunted around — 
found our friend here doing a turkey trot up in the 
air — cut him down — filled him up to the neck with — 
er — with Rocky Mountain life preserver — took him 
back to Whiskey Knob none the worse — next day 
the yap with the — (To Jake) which was it this 
time, Jake, Sage brush or alfalfa? 

Clara. (Laughing) Alfalfa. 

Dick. With the alfalfa face, and pop eyes — 
(To Jake) — pop eyes, Jake? (Jake nods) begged 
our hero's pardon — they buried the hatchet — pledged 
eternal friendship over another liberal portion of 
the R. M. life preserver just 

Clara. Just to " lay the dust," I suppose. 
(Laughs) 

Mrs. Studleigh. (Rising) Clara. (Exit r. 
Mrs. Studleigh) 

Jake. Miss Norris, d'ye know what I'm a-goin' 
t' do? 

Clara. No, what? 

Jake. I'm a-goin' t' write t' Joe True that ef he 
vaily's his peace o' mind, he'd better not come back 



50 LUCKY GULCH. 

t' Lucky Gulch ; he's a darned site better off whare 
he is. {Exit Polly r.) 

(Clara grabs her pan and runs off R. zi'hile the 
others laugh.) 

Jake. IMr. Stilwell, I hear that gambler Price 
is 'round here agin. 

Mildred. (Aside) Jarvis. 

Dick. So I have heard, and I have dropped a 
word in the ear of the Sheriff, he has his eye on 
him. 

Jake. Glad t' hear it. Well — so long folks. 
(Going) 

Dick. So long, Jake. 

Mildred. Good day, Mr. Meek ; please call again 
won't you? 

Jake. You bet, but next time I hope you'll hev 
that pesky broncho in th' other room roped good 
an' proper. (Goes off laughing at door B.) 

Mildred. (Putting her things away) Please 
have a chair, Mr. Stilwell ; you will remain for 
supper, will you not? (Takes his hat) 

Dick. (Hesitating) You are very kind, Mi»s 
Studleigh, — but. do you really wish it ? 

Mildred. Of course, we all do, and — and I wish 
to speak to you about this — this gambler, I think 
you know something — (They sit r. and l. c. Mil- 
dred zvith something in her hand) 

Dick, (Nodding) Yes, Miss Studleigh, Frank 
told me the whole story before he left. This Price, 
or Jarvis as you know him, is a very dangerous 
man. 

Mildred. He is. And I am so afraid of him, 
especially after the trouble he made here three 
months ago. We have never told mother a word 
about it as you know, for she worries so over every- 
thing connected with our trouble. Of course we all 
know, and every one in our eastern home knows — 
that my father was never guilty of those awful 
charges, but as it was never cleared up it has re- 



LUCKY GULCH. 51 

mained ever since like a shadow over our lives. 
Had my father lived I am sure he would have 
cleared it all up, for his last words were — " I know, 
I know — " 

Dick. Was that all he said? 

Mildred. All — for though he lingered a short 
time after that awful day, he never spoke again. 
It is so hard for me to speak of it even now, but 
you have been so 

Dick. Please do not dwell on that part of it, 
Miss Studleigh, and believe me when I say that I 
can fully understand you feelings, but did not 
Frank 

Mildred. Poor brother, he did all that could be 
done before he came west, but nothing came of it. 
He came out here hoping to retrieve our fortunes, 
and to be able to replace the legacy which was dear 
Polly's, even though we all told him it was not a 
duty, but you know how he looked at it. 

Dick. Yes, but I understand that Miss Vance 
has never made any claim. 

Mildred. Polly? — never. She has been splendid 
— splendid, and has tried so hard to make Frank see 
it as she does, but he is so determined (Sighs) and 
it all seems so impossible, especially the prospect of 
their — but I cannot speak of that. 

Dick. (Smiling) Oh, Frank is like an open 
book to be known and read of all men, he could not 
hide his feelings in regard to Miss Vance if he 
would, he is too open-minded and honest; to be 
sure he has never said anything to me exactly, 
(Smiling) he did not need to. But to return to this 
man Jarvis, what course did he pursue after your 
father's death ? 

Mildred. He tried to be appointed receiver for 
the business, but failed in that — seemed to have a 
liberal amount of money for a time — became ad- 
dicted to gambling — was mixed up in a low shooting 
affair — fled the city, and we heard nothing more 
of him until he turned up here and you saved Frank 



52 LUCKY GULCH. 

from — (Shudders) Oh, IMr. Stilwell, I cannot bear 
to think of it. 

Dick. (Uneasily) That was not much, you 
know I 

Mildred. (Earnestly) "Not much?" No — 
only saving to us the Hfe of a son and brother who 
is unspeakably dear, and thus adding to the obliga- 
tion — to the debt of gratitude we already owed you 
for having cared for him through that dangerous 
illness in a lonely cabin in the mountains, and after- 
wards becoming — as Frank said on the night of our 
arrival — " the best friend a man ever had in all the 
world." 

Dick. I beg you not to speak of it, the boy is 
much, very much to me also, he has fairly captured 
me by his lovable, as well as by his manly qualities, 
he seems like my own brother, and — and — lately, 
since you came, I have begun to hope — (Rises and 
takes a turn across the room) 

Mildred. (Looking at him inquiringly) To 
hope what Mr. Stilwell ? Is there anything f urthur 
which mother or I can do to show our gratitude 
more fully? Words I know are of little value, but 
(SigJiing) they are all we now have to offer you, 
(Dick regards her earnestly for a moment, then 
returns and stands beside her chair) 

Dick. I wonder if you think that is true — Mil- 
dred, may I call you so? 

Mildred. You may, I think you are entitled to 
that degree of familiarity. (Smiles quietly) 

Dick. Thank you. 

Mildred. But I think you just questioned my 
sincerity — why? (Looking up at him) 

Dick. Because I wondered if you meant it when 
you said there was nothing furthur you could offer. 

Mildred. (Honestly) I assure you that I did, 
you are aware of our circumstances, you know 
that 

Dick. Then you will permit me to say that I 



LUCKY GULCH. 53 

think — I hope that you are mistaken. (She looks 
up at him ivonderingly) Please Hsten — before you 
came, Mildred, I believe that my work, your 
brother's friendship, {Smiling) my pipe, and a few 
minor things were all I needed to make me happy. I 
lost my parents when I was a child — I have never 
had a brother or a sister, and for years I have been 
without any home ties or any home save those which 
I have had to have near the scene of my duties as an 
engineer. (Mildred's head sinks lozver and lower 
over her zvork as he proceeds) But this has all been 
changed, I have seen your home life — the love and 
affection which permeates it, and all else that goes to 
make life — life in its truest and best sense, worth liv- 
ing. And I have known yon (Pause) Mildred — be- 
lieve me when I say that I am making no further ap- 
peal to your gratitude, for I am sure you will give me 
the credit of being incapable of such a thing, I do 
however appeal to something deeper — to your heart. 
I am leaving Lucky Gulch very soon 

Mildred. {Without looking up) ** Leaving?" 
Oh. {Places hand on her heart) 

Dick. Yes, I have received the appointment of 
chief engineer of the division, I shall be located in 
a permanent place — shall be able to have a home 
of my own. {Puts hand on her shoulder, bends 
over her) Dear girl — Alildred, I love you, will you 
share that home with me? (Mildred rises — seems 
agitated) 

Mildred. Mr. Stilwell — Dick, you honor me, 
what can I say? {She turns her head azvay) 

Dick. Can you not say the one thing which will 
make me happy? {Taking both her hands in his) 

Mildred. How can I ? Our trouble — the shadow 
which hangs over us 

Dick. You speak truly when you say a 
" shadow " for a shadow is not a substance, so please 
do not 



54 LUCKY GULCH. 

(Dick is interrupted by a tumult outside at a little 
distance, it draws nearer, voices and footsteps 
are heard, then cries of '' there he goes," '' catch 
him,'' " shoot him," " shoot him" are heard; 
two or three revolver shots ring out follozved 
by a single cry of pain just outside of door b.) 

Mildred. (Frightened) Oh, Dick, what do you 
suppose- 



DiCK. I don't know, I'll go and see. (Starts b.) 
Mildred. No, no. There may be danger. 
(Holds him back) 

(Enter hurriedly Mrs. Studleigh and Polly r. 
Clara l. Jake Meek b. Excitement.) 

Mrs. Studleigh. What was that noise, Mildred? 
(All start tozvards door, Jake pushing them back) 

Jake. No, no, ye mustn't go out thar ; Dick, Dick 
— keep 'em back. 

Dick. (To the ladies) Calm yourselves. (To 
Jake) What is all the excitement, Jake? 

Jake. It's the gambler — Price — stuck a feller 
down t' th' hotel jest now — tried t' git away t' th' 
hills, but th' boys headed him off — then he tried t' 
git in here fer sum. reason or ruther, but thay were 
too quick fer him an' nailed him jest outside'r th' 
door. 

Dick. I knew it would come sometime, soon or 
late. (Dick goes out b., quietly) 

Mildred. (Aside) Jarvis — Shot. 

Mrs. Studleigh. Poor man, is he dead? 

Jake. Not yit, mum, but I guess it's on'y a ques- 
tion of a few minutes. 

Mrs. Stltdleigh. Have him brought right in 
here, this minute. 

IMiLDRED. Mother — mother, you don't know — 
(]\Irs. Studleigh looks at Mildred in astonish- 
ment) 



LUCKY GULCH, 55 

(Re-enter Dick, beckons to Mildred; they speak 
aside) 

Dick. He is dying. He wishes to speak with you. 

Mildred. With me? Dying? Oh, Dick. 

Dick. Yes, come. (They exit quietly) 

Clara. Isn't it terrible? ' 

Polly. Horrible. (Shudders) 

Jake. Well, in course, 'taint t' say right pleasant 
happenin' as it did rite outside'r th' door, but still 
it miter been a darn site wuss, he on'y got what was 
a-comin t' him. 

Polly. But Jake, to think of a man being shot 
down in cold blood like this. 

Jake. Humph: Thare wasn't much cold blood 
about it, leastways not on th' side'r th' boys as 
winged him. 

(Re-enter Dick and Mildred.) 

Jake. Is he — (Dick nods — Mrs. Studleigh falls 
into a chair r. Mildred goes and sinks at her 
another's feet) 

Mildrkd. Mother, oh, Mother. 

Mrs. Studleigh. My child, what is it? 

Mildred. It was Jarvis, Alfred Jarvis. 

Mrs. Studleigh. (Trembling) Jarvis — Jar 

Mildred. (Hurriedly) Yes, dear mother, try to 
be calm, he is dead ; but with his last breath he con- 
fessed all to me. 

Mrs. Studleigh. Confessed? 

Mildred. Everything. He stole Polly's fortune 
— forged notes — my father was innocent — innocent. 

Mrs. Studleigh. Thank God: Thank God. 
(They zveep in each other's arms; Polly and Clara 
likewise. Dick ivipes his eyes, Jake plies his 
bandanna) Oh, children, if Frank was only here 
with us now, it breaks my heart to think of him way 
off there by himself, and still bearing the old, old 



56 LUCKY GULCH. 

burden, when we are so happy in the knowledge that 
it has at last been lifted. 

(Dick, looking on, smiles cheerfully to himself, 
Polly catches the action, comes over and looks 
at him searchingly.) 

Mildred. Mother, Oh, Mother. 

Polly. Mr. Stihvell, why did you do that? 

Dick. (Innocently) What do you mean, why 
did I do what ? 

Polly. You knozv. Why did you smile when 
mother Studleigh said that about Frank? 

Dick. Smile? You must be mistaken. 

Clara. No, she is not, I saw it too. 

Polly. (Breathlessly) You know something — 
you have heard from him — Oh, Mr. Stilwell, tell us 
— tell us, what is it? 

Clara. Have you? (Stamping her foot) Don't 
keep us in suspense, you have no right. 

Dick. (Enjoying the situation) Why, why, 
what a turmoil over just one little bit of a smile, 
any one would think now that I had done some- 
thing 

]\Irs. Studleigh. (Crossing to him) Is there 
anything, any news, surely you would not conceal 
anything from the heart of an anxious mother, 
would you? 

Dick. I could not resist such an appeal as that, 
even if I wished to, and I am quite sure I do not. 
I have heard from them, but only this morning, I 
was to keep it a secret, but you see how I am com- 
pelled to surrender to superior force. (Takes a 
letter from his pocket) 

Clara. (Trying to get it) Please let me see it, 
won't you ? 

Dick. (Holding letter above his head) Keep 
ofif. (They have a friendly tussle for it) Jake, 
Jake, get your rope. 

Clara. Oh, won't you, please ? 



LUCKY GULCH. 57 

Mrs. Studleich. Clara. 

Dick. 1 couldn't just now, ]\Hss Norris, but if 
you'll promise to be good I'll tell a little of what 
there is in it. They are on their way back, in fact, 
they — they 

Mildred. {Forgetting herself) Dick, dear Dick, 
please — {turns aside in eonfiision) 

Dick. {Looking at her admiringly) They are 
coming soon, I would not be surprised if — (Jake 
springs to door hack — looks out — sicings door wide 
open) 

Jake. {Excitedly) Sure es shootin'— thought I 
heard somebody — here thay cum now. {Voices 
heard off stage — nearer — Frank and Joe /;/ miner's 
garb rush in, A tumultuous meeting folloivs, in 
which all the zvords and exclamations incident to 
such an occasion should he distinguished. Frank 
at last turns to greet Dick) 

Frank. And Dick, dear old Dick, too. How are 
you boss ? 

Dick. W^elcome home, boy. My, but it seems 
good to see you once more. 

Frank. {To Dick aside) You got my letter? 

Dick. {Same) Yes, just this morning. 

Frank. Then they don't know? 

Dick. Only that you are here. 

Frank. Good.- {To the rest) Mother— Mildred 
— Polly — all of you, Joe and I have 

Joe. Struck it 

Frank. Rich, Rich— look— (P/z/Z/nr/ small can- 
vas sack from his pocket) just a sample of what's in 
our claim. 

Joe. {Same husiness) Here, too, {Dangles sack 
before Clara's eyes) and more where that cum 
from. 

Frank. Mother, my dearest wish is realized, we 
can go back home, that is, if we wish to, buy back 
the old house, and best of all Polly shall have 

Polly. Oh, Frank, please 



58 LUCKY GULCH. 

Mrs. Studleigh. My dear boy, you do not 
know 

Frank. Eh? Know what, mother? 

Mrs. Studleigh. I am so overcome with joy that 
I can hardly speak, come into the other room, 
Frank, you and Polly and Mildred. I know the 
others will excuse us, will you not? (All assent) 

Jake. Sure mum, I gotter be goin' ennyway. 

Frank. But why — what 

Mildred. You will know soon, brother ; come, 
please. 

(Exit R. Mrs. Studleigh, Mildred, Polly, 
Frank.) 

Dick. (Aside — looking after the others) I 
think the boy is about to be surprised in his turn. 
(thoughtfully) How glad I am for them that the 
shadow is lifted at last — the clouds all cleared away. 
(Changing his manner — to Jake) Isn't it glorious, 
old chap? (Slaps Jake hard on the hack) I am 
so happy I believe I could — (Makes another pass at 
Jake, zvho dodges) 

Jake. (Wincing zvith pain) Say — I'm blamed 
glad ye ain't enny happier, fer ef ye zvas I don't 
b'lieve / could stand it. (Nursing his back as zvell 
as he can) What's th' matter with ye, ennyway, ye 
act like a two-year-old. 

Dick. That's just how I feel, Jake. 

Jake. (Still rubbing back) Humph: guess 
mebby 'twould be a good idee fer ye t' go out an* 
run up an' down th' road a spell an' see ef ye can't 
work sum of it off. 

Dick. A good suggestion, where's my hat? 
(Gets it) I'm coming right back, Joe; you tell 
Frank, will you, please? 

Joe. Sure thing, sir. 

Dick. Come on, Jake. (Makes motion towards 
Jake's back, Jake dodges) 



LUCKY GULCH. 59 

Jake. No, ye don't, oncet is enough. But say — 
(Looking at Joe and Clara zvho have been talking 
aside) I dunno's t' would be jest th' thing t' leave 
these two here alone t'gether. 

Dick. Why not ? 

Jake. (Nursing his cJiin) B'cause thay might 
git kinder lonesome without us, eh, Joe? (Digs 
Dick in the ribs — hard — Dick zvinces) 

Joe. Aw git out, ye old cow rustler ye. (Clara 
throws something at Jake's head — he dodges — all 
laugh — Jake and Dick exit arm in arm b.) 

Joe. (Enthusiastically) Yes, sir, we did. I 
don't expect t' be any millionaire nor nothin' o' that 
sort, y 'understand, but I'm a-goin' t' be pretty well 
fixed fer these parts. I'll be able t' set myself up in 
a store o' my own — build me a nice little house 

Clara. (Open eyed) A house? Why, Joe, 
what do you want of a house ? 

Joe. What do I want of a house ? That's a funny 
question fer a bright gal like you be t' ask. I want 
it t' live in, of course. 

Clara. What, all alone? 

Joe. No, 'tain't likely, (Bashfully) I'm a-goin' 
t' git i.iarried. 

Clara. Oh: (Drazving away) 

Joe. Yep, that's what. (Fumbling with hat) 
Didn't ye know ennythin' about it ? (Looking at her 
out of the corner of his eye) 

Clara. (Tossing her head) How should I? 
Mr. True, I do not know anything about your affairs. 

Joe. I s'pose not, but I kinder thought es how 
ye miter kinder guessed suthin' about it. 

Clara. (Tartly) " Guessed? " I guess — I have 
got something better to do than to stand here and 
bother my head about things which do not concern 
me. . I have to get things ready for supper — (Look- 
ing toward room r.) no matter how happy some 
people are, I suppose they will have to have food, so 



6o LUCKY GULCH. 

— (Going l.) I think I will have to ask you to ex- 
cuse me, Air. True. 

Joe. (Detaining her) Now, don't ye go t' 
gittin' riley, come now, ain't ye enny idee who that 
gal is who I aim t' marry ? 

Clara. No, I've not. And what is more, I don't 
care — let me go. 

Joe. (Holding her) She ain't fur from where 
we're a-standin'. 

Clara. (Looking around) -Near here? Why, I 
see no one but just ourselves. 

Joe. No wonder, that's all there is here. 

Clara. But — but, you do not mean 

Joe. I do, I mean you. 

Clara. Oh, you do? (Slozvly) Well, Mr. True, 
it appears to me you are taking a good deal for 
granted. 

Joe. (Earnestly) Oh, shucks, Clara. It ain't 
no use fer me t' try t' match words with you, but 
you know I love ye — love th' very ground ye walk 
on — won't ye marry me — won't ye ? 

Clara. I don't know — you see — I — did you say 
you expected to have a store of your own ? 

Joe. / do, for sure. 

Clara. (Coming nearer) And sell everything? 

Joe. (Puzzled) Yes, why? what be ye drivin' 
at? 

Clara. Books ? 

Joe. Sure, ef ennybody wants 'em. 

Clara. Of course they will, there is the school 
you know, and you will have to keep histories — 
language — granim er 

Joe. Quite likely, but- 



Clara. (Playing zvitJi Joe's tie) And you'll 
read them, I suppose, won't 

Joe. (Putting his arm about her) I b'lieve I see 
nozu what ye mean, I know I ain't much on things o' 
that kind, same as you an' — an' th' rest o' your folks 
here, but if you'll be th' mistress o' that little house 



LUCKY GULCH. 6i 

I was talkin' about — if you will be my teacher, I'll 
study anything — larn t' talk as you an' th' rest o' 
them do, an' some day you'll be so proud o' me 

Clara. Oh, Joe: {Throiving her arms around 
his neck) I'm proud of you nozv. 

Joe. Glory — Hallelujah : (Kisses her) 

{Enter r. Frank and Polly.) 

Frank. Ahem. (Polly laughs — Clara screams 
— runs off L. Joe laughs — shakes his fist at Frank 
and hurries off after Clara) It looks as though 
Joe had reached his goal at last. Do you know, we 
have had Clara for breakfast, dinner and supper for 
the last three months, and all day on Sunday. Ha, 
ha, but I didn't complain, in fact I coiddn't very well 
considering the fact that I told Joe the day she 
came, that Clara was a girl in a hundred, and I 
should have said a thousand. 

Polly. So she is. And Joe is worthy of her, I 
am so glad for them both. (Sighs) I hope they 
will be very, very happy. 

Frank. And I. But it is of ourselves that I 
would like to speak just now, dear — that is, if I can 
find words. I am so full of joy not only on account 
of my own good fortune — but with the words I have 
just heard from mother, that it is difficult for me to 
know where to begin, still I feel that the time has 
come — the time for which I have longed all these 
years, but at times almost without hope — the time 
when I can say what is in my heart. Polly, dear 
Polly, I 

Polly. Why attempt to say it, Frank? I know 
— I know. 

Frank. (Taking her hands) And you 

Polly. (Shyly) Can you ask? 

Frank. At last. (Folds her in his arms) 

(Enter r. Mrs. Studleigh and Mildred.) 



^2 LUCKY GULCH. 

Mildred. (Seeing couple) Oh: 

Frank. (Gaily) Mother — Mildred, what do you 
think 

Mrs. Studleigh. My dear, children, a mother 
does not have to think — she knows, Mildred — is 
there anything lacking to complete our happiness 
this day? 

(Dick and Jake enter door b. as Mrs. Studleigh 
speaks. Jake has a piece of clothes line in his 
hand.) 

Mildred. No, mother, nothing. (Seeing Dick) 
that is — I — I — (She hesitates) hardly think so. 

Mrs. Studleigh. My child, why do you speak in 
that manner? surely there could be nothing more 
that we 

Dick. (Coming dozvn) I can see how it is with 
you all — how happy you are, and I rejoice with you. 
But I now ask for the right to be a nearer and more 
equal sharer in your joy. (Takes Mildred's hand) 
To-day I asked this dear girl to be my wife, (Enter 
L. Joe and Clara) but owing to the shadow which 
hovered over your family life she could not decide. 
But now — that shadow has disappeared, and, as the 
sunlight of happiness shines around you once more 
— may I not ask to share it with you? Mildred, it 
is for you to decide, what is the answer to be ? 

Mildred. (Honestly) It is what it would have 
been when you first asked me, Dick, had it not been 
for that which no longer exists, it is — yes. 

Frank. (Grasping Dick's hand — surprised and 
overcome) Dick — Dick. My cup is full, (Voice 
falters) I — I — cannot 

Jake. (Heartily) Well, well, mum, (To Mrs. 
Studleigh) It kinder looks es though you an' me 
would hev t' be practisin' up some fancy steps, guess 
by th' looks thare's a-goin' t' be quite a considerble 
menny weddin's fer us t' dance to afore long. I did 



LUCKY GULCH. 63 

think fer a spell thet / might be in on th^s. (Looking 
at Clara) See — {Holding up rope) I brought 
this along thinkin' p'r'aps I'd try t' rope thet thare 
wild broncho o' yourn, but I see (Winks) thet thet 
good for nothin Joe True hes got in ahead o' me, 
cut me out, so's t' speak, so I guess I'll hev t' keep 
this fer th' — ahem — fer th' next blamed maverick 
I see runnin' 'round loose. Ha, ha. (All laugh) 

Frank. What a day, and now — speaking for my- 
self, and I sincerely hope for you all — I desire to 
say that I have decided to remain in this place — it 
shall be my home, and in the days to come I shall use 
my best endeavors to make it — for those who come, 
what it has been to me — a " Lucky Gulch " indeed. 
(r. — Polly — Frank — Mrs. Studleigh — Mildred 
— DiCK^ — Clara — Joe, l.) 

CURTAIN. 



W^^: 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



016 102 229 9 



